A Nashville woman was stunned by the value of her rare copy of William Shakespeare’s sonnets in from PBS Travelling exhibition of antiques.
The guest, who inherited the book from her father, initially thought it might be worth a modest $300 or $400, but expert Martin Gammon had a startling revelation in store for her.
The rare copy of William Shakespeare’s sonnets was valued at a whopping $5,000 to $7,000, with a recommended insurance value of $10,000.
The book in question was an 1899 Roycroft Press edition of ‘Shakespeare’s Sonnets’, but this was no ordinary copy.
This treasure is one of only 12 printed on vellum, which is made from cow or pig skin, making it an ultra-rare collector’s item.
A Nashville woman was stunned by the value of her rare copy of William Shakespeare’s sonnets on PBS’s Antiques Roadshow
The guest, who inherited the book from her father, initially thought it might be worth a modest $300 or $400. But expert Martin Gammon had a startling revelation in store.
The rare copy of William Shakespeare’s sonnets was valued at a whopping $5,000 to $7,000, with a recommended insurance value of $10,000.
“It’s probably Roycroft Press’s finest hour,” Gammon said, leaving the owner visibly shocked.
‘It is a very important American printing house that was inspired by the Kelmscott Press of England to create a series of limited editions of literature and other categories, and the editor is Elbert Hubbard.’
He survived the Great Depression when the host’s grandfather, a rare book dealer, was forced to sell much of his collection.
“My father was born in Brooklyn and his father owned a rare book business… he collected rare books but unfortunately we only have a few books left because my father’s father had to sell a lot of them during the Depression,” the guest said.
The book in question was an 1899 Roycroft Press edition of ‘Shakespeare’s Sonnets’.
This treasure is one of only 12 printed on vellum, which is made from cow or pig skin, making it an ultra-rare collector’s item.
—My God. But this is one of the survivors who managed to survive —Gammon replied.
This literary treasure features rare craftsmanship, including intricate Moroccan leather swatches and a prestigious Roycroft bookbinding stamp, the appraiser explained.
“It’s a real thrill,” Gammon said.
The guest replied, “My father would be very happy.” I’m so glad they kept it and didn’t throw it down the stairs after the Depression.
“I’m glad it wasn’t the one they had to sell,” he added.